This Maple Syrup Mask Is Literally Breakfast For Your Face

As a lifestyle and beauty writer, I’m always down to try the latest trends—especially if it’s DIY and has anything to do with skin-care. I especially love face masks, not just because they’re easy to apply, but because they repair and protect my skin while giving it a soft and smooth finish. (It’s also important for me to make time once or twice a week to treat myself—and pampering my skin with a mask always provides the pick-me-up I need.)

My new favorite mask is one that’s quick and easy to whip up, and good enough to eat. For real. It’s got three simple ingredients: maple syrup, milk, and oatmeal.

Here’s why it works: The maple syrup is moisturizing and cleansing, and it contains antioxidants and free radical-fighting polyphenols. Oats are known for their gentle skin-smoothing abilities, and the milk contains skin health-boosting lactic acid.

Before applying the mask, I wash my face with a simple cleanser to make sure my skin is receptive to the mask’s super-powers. After washing the mask off with warm water, I immediately feel a difference. My cheeks tend to get very dry in the colder months, but after applying this mask, they feel so soft to the touch. I also notice a decrease in facial redness the following day.

Here’s the recipe so you can try it out for yourself:

DIY MAPLE SYRUP FACE MASK

Ingredients

• 1 ½ tablespoon of 100% maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons of plain oatmeal or rolled oats
• 1 ½ tablespoon of milk (I substitute in plain almond milk)

PREP

1. Measure out your ingredients.
2. Microwave the maple syrup in a bowl for 15-20 seconds. You want the maple syrup to get warm and pliable so it mixes with the oats and milk nicely.
3. Add in the rest of the ingredients. Mix them together until they form a paste-like consistency.
4. The texture of the mask will be thick and sticky—that’s good! It’s supposed to be that way. If you want a thinner texture, add a little bit more milk and stir. Just don’t add too much or the mask will become watery.

APPLICATION

1. You can apply the face mask with your hands or a brush, but make sure you do it on clean skin.
2. Wait 15 minutes before rinsing the mask off. You can go about your business (a.k.a. watching Netflix) until the 15 minutes are up.
3. Rinse off with warm water and lightly towel dry your face with a cloth.
4. I do this about once per week. You can do it more often if your skin feels dry or dull.

IMPROVISE!

Here are some ways to double up on your mixture, in case you have leftovers:

1. This mask isn’t just for your face. It can be used to soften dry skin on the back of your arms, your legs, or feet—anywhere you want to show a little extra love.
2. Want more texture? Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the mask for a more exfoliating experience.
3. Apply the mask more regularly—twice a week is a great way to add moisture to skin that might be severely dehydrated, especially in the winter. Discontinue if you notice any irritation!